Ethics Policy
PAPİLON ETHICS POLICY
I. PURPOSE
At Papilon, our primary aim in establishing the Ethics Policy is to create a
shared corporate culture, foster a harmonious work environment, and act as a
socially responsible company. In this regard, our goals are to enhance the
company while safeguarding its reputation, comply with legal requirements, act
in line with stakeholders’ expectations, protect and strengthen the company’s
position against competitors, mitigate the potential impacts of any misuse or
crisis, and ensure that the company adapts to changes.
II. SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This Policy applies to Papilon Defense Technology and Trade Incorporated
Company, established in 2012, and all its employees. It is overseen by the
Board of Directors, implemented through the Human Resources Department and
Ethics Representatives. The Policy was created to compile and share our
corporate ethical codes and values within the organization, aiming to provide a
healthier work environment for employees and to develop the company with
integrity. We believe that ethics, as a living concept, must sustainably
contribute to our corporate culture.
The ethical code, by common definition, is a set of written rules established to define universal truths in business life, guide actions based on these truths, and direct employee behavior. Every member of the Papilon family is expected to fully adhere to the Papilon Ethical Codes and comply with each ethical rule outlined in this Policy. Members of the Board of Directors follow the behavioral rules defined in the Ethics Policy.
This Policy informs employees about the requirements for conducting our shared business life in the most ethical manner and explains how to achieve this goal. For this reason, the Papilon Ethics Policy is publicly available on our corporate website, accessible to everyone. No employee is granted special privileges under this Policy; all employees are evaluated equally. Employees who witness unethical actions but fail to report them are considered to have violated ethical rules. Ethics Representatives report ethical violations in writing to the Board of Directors.
1. CORE ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
One of Papilon’s fundamental principles is to develop the company in a way that
meets the expectations of all stakeholders and society. A member of the Papilon
family is aware that the most fundamental resource is ‘people.’ They act with
care and moderation toward all living beings due to their value and utility.
They never belittle any person, their rights, or their ideas; they value
individuals, their rights, and their ideas. They establish relationships based
on open communication, acting with goodwill, understanding, and respect. They
strive to embrace a sense of corporate belonging. They encourage diverse ideas,
decisions, teamwork, collective reasoning, and flexible thinking/behavior.
These principles, expected to be applied without compromise, should be regarded
by all employees as the foundational criteria for their workplace
responsibilities, ensuring the sustainability of the corporate culture and the
Papilon brand.
2. CODE OF CONDUCT
At Papilon, all employees act with awareness of their responsibilities. They
manage their stress and emotions, using them as tools for motivation and
enhancing teamwork effectiveness. They take care not to exhibit behaviors that
would make others feel unsafe.
They adopt a proactive approach to managing differences and conflicts, resolving conflicts constructively. While striving to achieve goals, they take responsibility for all activities. They are aware that this attitude, known as accountability, must be consistently demonstrated without deviation.
They strive to prevent unethical behavior and issue necessary warnings. They do not engage in actions that hinder colleagues from performing their duties or disrupt workplace harmony. They avoid statements about third parties that could disrupt workplace harmony or cooperation. Through honest and consistent behavior, they strengthen trust with colleagues. When meeting with stakeholders, they represent Papilon in the best possible manner, paying attention to their behavior and attitude. They act sensitively in the use of shared company spaces. They perform their duties within the framework of fundamental moral and human values.
3. PREVENTING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
At Papilon, misusing status, individual power (e.g., title, physical
attributes, age), or collective power (e.g., strength in numbers) for personal
gain is considered a violation of rules. Employees may not enter into any
business relationships that unfairly benefit themselves, their relatives, or
third parties by leveraging their title or authority. If a relative holds a
stake or financial interest in a company with which Papilon has a commercial
relationship, the employee must inform their manager. Employees do not use or
allow the use of Papilon’s assets for their own benefit or that of anyone
inside or outside the company. All employees prioritize Papilon’s interests
over their own. They also enable differences to be turned into advantages while
preventing them from creating superiority.
4. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
All Papilon employees are supported by the company to voluntarily participate
in social activities with a sense of social responsibility. Employees
frequently engage in helping, taking responsibility, and taking ownership. They
learn and teach. They strive for their own well-being and that of their
colleagues. They exhibit open, honest, and consistent cooperation with
stakeholders.
5. CONFIDENTIALITY
All Papilon employees understand the importance of internal information and
ensure its confidentiality regardless of location. They do not use internal
information for personal or third-party gain and take care to protect its
confidentiality. While safeguarding the company’s confidentiality and
integrity, they treat all tangible and intangible assets as if they were their
own and protect them. Unless required by official authorities or laws, they do
not share confidential information with third parties. They do not disclose
information about internal processes, intellectual property, knowledge, or
inventions acquired through their duties. They recognize that salary
information is personal, do not share it with others, and do not attempt to
learn others’ salaries. They do not share internal information in public places
inside or outside the company. They do not disclose confidential information or
documents from previous employers to Papilon or colleagues, nor do they request
such information from others.
6. PREVENTING DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT
Papilon employees view every individual as equal, regardless of religion,
language, race, gender, political or other opinions, or national and social
origin. They treat everyone equally and with respect, regardless of age,
language, race, ethnicity, health status, gender, marital status, religion,
cultural background, political views, or philosophical beliefs. They recognize
diversity as a strength. They do not tolerate actions or behaviors that violate
this principle and warn those engaging in discriminatory treatment. In
recruitment processes, they do not discriminate based on gender, age, religion,
language, race, ethnicity, or national origin. In hiring and promotion, they
consider only job-relevant qualifications and skills, ensuring equal
opportunity and impartiality.
7. PROTECTION OF ANIMALS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Papilon acts with environmental awareness, warns those who do not, and works to
increase this awareness. No employee engages in behaviors that threaten the
environment. Employees avoid any actions that would make any living being feel
unsafe. They work to develop environmentally friendly technologies.
8. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
Papilon strives to provide a safe work environment and fulfill its
environmental responsibilities. Employees comply with occupational health and
safety measures in the workplace. They avoid behaviors that would make others
feel unsafe.
9. INVESTOR RELATIONS
The methods for public disclosures by authorized persons are outlined in
Papilon’s Disclosure Policy, and actions are taken in accordance with these
regulations. The Papilon Investor Relations Unit ensures compliance with
Capital Markets Legislation obligations.
10. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND COMPANY ETHICAL CODES
All Papilon employees have responsibilities regarding compliance with laws and
company ethical codes. They ensure that all records are maintained and archived
accurately within legal timeframes. They are obligated to report any situations
they observe or suspect to be contrary to applicable laws, regulations, or
Papilon policies. They do not seek unfair gains from individuals or
organizations for any purpose. Unless explicitly authorized, they do not engage
in actions, statements, or correspondence that would place the company under
liability. They always comply with laws.
11. FIGHTING BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION
Papilon has a zero-tolerance policy toward bribery and corruption. This rule
applies to all Papilon employees, Board Members, shareholders, and stakeholders
in commercial and social relations with Papilon. Bribery and corruption are
strictly prohibited in all cases. This rule applies equally in all countries
where Papilon operates or is represented. Violating these regulations can harm
the company’s reputation and lead to serious legal and criminal consequences.
At Papilon, we believe in the importance of transparency and accountability and
take necessary measures to prevent all forms of bribery and corruption.
If any Papilon employee or stakeholder witnesses an action related to bribery or corruption, they must immediately report it to the Ethics Representatives. In cases where complaints are reported or Ethics Representatives directly detect bribery or corruption:
a. Upon detection of any action or attempt related to
bribery or corruption, immediate notifications are made to legal authorities
without delay.
b. If an employee is found to be involved in bribery or corruption, or upon a
complaint to the Ethics Representatives, the employee’s written defense is
obtained, and necessary actions are taken immediately. Considering the
principle that termination is a last resort, sanctions such as warnings,
reprimands, or salary deductions may be applied.
12. GIFTS AND DISCOUNTS
Papilon employees act with discretion regarding the acceptance of gifts and
discounts; they do not accept benefits such as gifts exceeding a total annual
value of 500 TL. If gifts are received from authorities where refusal would be
inappropriate and are within courtesy limits, they are reported to the Human
Resources Department within 2 days. Reported gifts are kept under Papilon’s
custody. With senior management’s knowledge, employees may offer modest
promotional materials as gifts during visits to contribute to Papilon’s
promotion. They may accept invitations related to business meetings or
collaborative activities (e.g., lunch during meeting hours, organized dinners,
or cocktails afterward).
Gifts or benefits implicitly or explicitly tied to a quid pro quo, giving or receiving bribes or commissions, or proposing such are strictly prohibited. Employees must not accept money, loans, or expenses (e.g., events, accommodation, travel) from business-related individuals or entities under any circumstances. In international business trips requiring mutual gift exchanges, such gifts are given or accepted only on behalf of the company with senior management’s approval.
13. POLITICAL ACTIVITIES
Papilon does not engage in activities supporting political parties,
politicians, or candidates. It does not make donations to such entities.
Papilon employees respect everyone’s political views. They do not participate
in propaganda or similar activities. While conducting its operations, Papilon
maintains an equal distance from civil society organizations, political
parties, and all public institutions without expecting benefits and carries out
its activities with this sense of responsibility. Employees do not run for
office in elections without resigning from Papilon. They do not use Papilon
resources for political activities.
14. REPORTING INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR
All suspicions regarding violations of laws or business ethics principles must
be reported to the Ethics Representatives as soon as possible.
The Ethics Representatives consist of:
- Chairperson
– Papilon Board Member
- Member
– Papilon Legal Advisor
- Member – Papilon Human Resources Manager
If individuals prefer not to report inappropriate behavior or suspicions in person, they can use the ethics hotline without concern. Complaints or suspicions can be reported, or contact can be made, via the email address etik@papilon.com.tr or fax number 0 (312) 231 20 28. Additionally, the Human Resources Manager can be reached at 0 (312) 231 20 26.
The purpose of the ethics hotline is to provide clear
information to individuals when there is uncertainty about the Papilon Ethics
Policy and to enable the reporting of suspected ethical violations without
hesitation. Any complaint or suspicion is evaluated by the Ethics
Representatives as soon as possible.